Wigan to rely on academy

Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan has reportedly told fans he will not be signing any players from overseas next season and will instead rely on the club’s academy.

At a fans forum, Lenagan stated that he will only be looking overseas for exceptional talent and instead will put more faith in the club’s superb academy, which has produced a number of top players in recent years.

However, Wigan’s regular investment in overseas signings from Down Under has restricted their progress at the club.

The likes of Shaun Briscoe, Stephen Wild and Bryn Hargreaves are now plying their trade at other top Super League clubs, while Wigan have struggled to find consistency in recent years.

They have been linked with a host of Australian players for next season, including Canterbury’s Mark O’Meley and Manly half back Matt Orford.